For 100 years, a day trip on the Cedar was impractical without permission from the hunting and fishing club that controlled the take-out point. Then, in 2013, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that new lands added to the Adirondack Forest Preserve would make the Cedar River and its confluence with the Hudson River available.

Trailside vegetation and trail surfaces are especially vulnerable to degradation and erosion during this time of year. Biking on muddy trails damages tree roots, erodes slopes, and widens trails, making them difficult for riding. DEC asks bikers to help protect the trails, natural resources, and surrounding habitats by checking trail conditions and advisories and avoiding all wet, muddy trails.

The Garden parking lot at the Garden Trailhead will be closed to public motor vehicles and pedestrians starting Monday and will remain closed until bridge construction is complete, according to the town of Keene.

The Hanging Spear Falls loop is probably the best backcountry ski tour in the Adirondacks that no one knows about. It’s surprising that it’s not on more cross-country skiing lists, because it integrates some of the best of the southern High Peaks: lots of views of mountains, a ski across the dramatic Flowed Lands, and an exciting ski out along the Calamity Brook Trail.

Forest Ranger John Franceschina responded to two small wildfires caused by phragmites burning in Flushing Meadows Park. The wildfires totaled 1.1 acres and were suppressed by the New York City Fire Department. These were the first reported wildfires in the state, marking the beginning of the 2019 spring fire season.